Rev. Reginald James Banks MSGT (RET), was born in Spotsylvania, VA to the late Vernell Banks. He was raised by his grandmother the late Susie Banks. He had one sister the late Mary Francis Brooks.  On January 28, 2024, God chose to take him home to glory, where there would be no more pain, no more illness. He departed peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Reginald Banks married Betty Robinson Banks (deceased) and from this union they had seven children: Reginald J. Banks, Jr. (deceased), Anthony Banks, Barbara Hill (Raymond Jr.), Frank Banks, Mechelle Stanton (Steve), Robert Banks, and Kelly Williams (Jeffrey).

He later married Helen Gist Banks and from this union they raised six children:  Deborah Simms (Ronald), Kenneth Banks (deceased), Paulette Brooks (Horace), Yvette Reid, Lillie Floyd (Garry), and Rodney Gist (Kendra).

Reggie as he was affectionately called by family and friends enjoyed life. He was also a sharp dresser and loved telling jokes. He often quoted one of his favorite scriptures, Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart is like good medicine".

Reginald served in the United States Army for 24 years, serving in WWII, Vietnam, and Korean wars. He was a dedicated solider, received the Army Commendation Medal on April 19, 1968, and retired as Master Sergeant from the US Army on May 1, 1968. After retirement, he worked at Langley Air Force Base for the Department of the Air Force as a civilian employee for 34 years.

He graduated from Virginia Union University, School of Theology, Evans-Smith Leadership Training Institute with a certificate in Religious Studies on November 14, 1985. He is also a former member of the Peninsula Ministers Association. He received his certificate of license to preach the gospel from Queen Street Baptist Church and became Pastor of Philippi Baptist Church. Upon his retirement at Philippi Baptist Church on November 5, 2006, he received the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus due to his outstanding service that impacted the lives of many.

On February 26, 2022, he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Spotsylvania Sunday School Union and the NAACP Spotsylvania Branch and the John J. Wright Museum for a lifetime of sacrifice, labor, steadfast faith, and innumerable offerings of prayer, shared wisdom and endless encouragement.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, his sons, his daughters and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, god-children, sisters-in-laws, and other devoted family and friends.

Viewing will begin 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 with funeral services beginning at  12 Noon, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. Interment with full military honors will be held in Hampton Memorial Gardens.